Research has indicated the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, as it may help to protect the feet and ankles. Obese people may experience a larger foot size, in addition to the possibility of developing flat feet. There may also be medical conditions that can affect the feet as a result of obesity. These can include specific types of arthritis such as gout, and osteoarthritis. Additionally, type 2 diabetes can be a common ailment among obese patients, which may produce foot ulcers. Many patients experience general foot pain that can develop from carrying excess weight. Other conditions, such as plantar fasciitis and posterior tibial tendonitis, can cause foot pain due to being overweight. If you would like more information about how obesity can affect the feet, please consult with a podiatrist.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Alan J. Spector from Shore Podiatry. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

• When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
• Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
• Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Point Pleasant, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.